On the 18th January, Chatham in Kent was once again hosting its ever popular “I.K.F English Open Light Continuous Kickboxing Championships”. Fighters battled it out over three rounds in a knockout style format, all with the desire to be crowned the English Champion for their associated age and weight division.

Representing Trenic and Pro-Taekwon in the event was Laurie Cornwell, David Victor and Harry Evans. After successfully making their weight first time, the team were ready to take to the ring!!!

Up first was Harry Evans, fighting in the 14-17 years old -65kg division (The biggest division of the day with 7 competitors). Using a wide variety of kicks and punches Harry earned is place in the next round with a unanimous decision.

Next up for team PTK was Laurie Cornwell who was looking forward to gaining some ring fight experience before her first full contact fight scheduled for mid-April. Unfortunately there was no one in the original division entered (18-36 years -65kg) therefor there was no choice but to step in with the -70kg women. Not fazed by this Laurie got in and went to work, keeping calm and composed and carrying out the instructions given by her corner men (Reece Nicholls and Jamie McAvoy). Three very close rounds see Laurie fall just short of the decision. However the short rounds and strict light contact did not play greatly to the strengths of Laurie, never the less it was a good experience that can be learned from. We are confident in a victory come April on the Full Contact circuit.

After a long rest it was Harry back in the ring for the semi-final. The nervous energy that Harry was fighting with earlier on in the day had completely gone. He dominated his opponent over all three rounds with great movement, blocks and counters techniques. Another win for Harry and through to the final he goes!


Next in to represent PTK was David Victor, the most inexperienced of the team with just over a year’s training behind him. The occasion did not dent the confidence he had coming off the back of a win in Aylesbury on the Storm show back in 2014. Over the first two rounds both boys showed a good variety of kicks and punches, making it hard to split them. The third and final round see David’s opponent manage to take it up a level and land some heavy blow’s causing David to take a back step, however he showed great heart and gave 100% until the bell. Unfortunately this day was not to be David’s as the decision went the other way.

Finally it was Harry back in the ring eager to impress the judges and come away with the title. From the very start the referee was on both boys’ cases for heavy contact making it hard for them to get any momentum in the first round. After a quick talking to from his corner reminding Harry of the game plan he went back to work. A now more relaxed Harry allowed him to take control over the final two rounds and leave no doubt who the winner could be. Harry was crowned “IKF English 2015”. A special mention from the referee that Harry was the best defensive kickboxer of the day was the cherry on top.

We would like to thank the coaching team; Reece Nicholls and Jamie McAvoy for their help and support throughout the day, all the parents and friends that came to support the show and of course the IKF officials and the organising team who once again ran a very professional and welcoming show.